Ebola May Lead to Blindness in Survivors According to New Findings

Newswise — Seattle, Wash. – A new study has shown that Ebola survivors may be at risk of severe vision loss or blindness weeks after being declared virus-free. The research is being presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Seattle, Wash.

Findings show that about one in five Ebola survivors develop uveitis several weeks after being discharged from treatment centers, with a third of those patients developing severe vision impairment or blindness. The results highlight the urgent need for eye care specialists and resources in the Ebola-survivor population.

Uveitis is the general term describing inflammatory diseases that produce swelling and can destroy eye tissues.

Abstract Title: Factors associated with vision impairment in Ebola virus disease uveitis in Sierra LeonePresentation Start/End Time: Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 8:30am – 10:15amLocation: Exhibit/Poster HallAbstract Number: 4509 - B0119

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.
All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.